Kia Sorento

When you think of the Chevy Blazer name, an image of a burly full-size SUV may come to mind. That representation would be correct, especially if you had in mind the first model sporting the Blazer inscription.

Indeed, when the Chevrolet K5 Blazer rolled out in 1969, it immediately made a name for itself as a traditional body-on-frame utility vehicle with standard rear-wheel drive and available four-wheel drive. Like all models of that period, the Blazer was derived from a full-size truck platform, in this case, the same GM architecture supporting Chevrolet and GMC trucks.

2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS.

2019 Chevrolet Blazer

Fast forward to today and Chevrolet has plans to bring the Blazer name back for the 2019 model year. The new model has aggressive looks, but it is now a crossover based on the same platform underpinning the Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia. While the original had strong off-road chops, the new model is chiefly for on-road service with its standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive.

Thus, you may be able to safely head down a clearly marked path with the new Blazer, but you won’t follow that Jeep as it works its way through a slough or fords a shallow creek. Instead, the all-new Blazer is all about giving Chevrolet and its fans something it really needed: a competitor to the midsize, two-row Ford Edge.

Chevrolet introduced the 2019 Blazer this month, offering photos and details we’ll examine here. The new model will arrive at Chevrolet dealers in early 2019 and slot between the Equinox and the three-row midsize Traverse. Other competitors in this segment include the Jeep Cherokee, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Murano and the Kia Sorento.

This 1979 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Cheyenne is one example of the earliest Blazer model.

A Matter of Design

As the photos reveal, Chevrolet strived to make the Blazer aggressive without carrying that look too far. The front fascia features a gaping grille, offset by slender lights and pronounced cut-outs housing the available fog lamps. The hood turns downward into the grille, giving this model a powerful appearance.

Front to back, the new model projects strength, imbuing it with an attitude that underscores its aggressiveness. Take note of the high beltline, which abruptly pulls up at the rear door handles. It is a look Volvo rolled out with the 2019 XC40. From the rear is an available liftgate spoiler with dual-element tail lamps.

Moving inside, the emphasis is on accommodating five passengers with ease. That’s something the Ford Edge does and we expect the Blazer will manage. Chevrolet describes the cockpit as driver-centric, making note of the various color and trim choices. Further, the Blazer’s cabin features a padded knee area, round air vents and grab handles on each door. Behind the front bucket seats is a sliding rear seat.

Importantly, the Chevrolet Blazer offers up to 64.2 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seat folded flat. This compares to 73.4 cubic feet in the Edge and 67 cubic feet in the Murano. The two top trim models also come with a unique cargo management system.

Under the Hood

If you’re looking for something different under the hood, you won’t find it. At least not yet. GM does have a turbo-diesel offered in select models such as the Chevrolet Equinox and Colorado, but it won’t find its way into the 2019 Blazer.

Instead, the automaker’s trusty and ubiquitous 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine comes standard, delivering 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. If that isn’t enough power, the popular 3.6-liter V6 is another choice. This one makes 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. Chevrolet pairs both engines with its new nine-speed automatic transmission. The available all-wheel-drive system offers an optional twin-clutch engagement on the two top trim models.

Chevrolet says that the Blazer will pull up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped. That beats the Edge (3,500 pounds) and is well ahead of the Murano. On the other hand, it trails the Kia and Hyundai as the pair top out at 5,000 pounds.

Chevy Blazer Miscellany

So, what are the other finer points about the all-new Blazer?

Well, let’s look closer at towing. Not only can this new model pull your camper or skiff, but it will offer available hitch view and hitch guidance to aid you as you make a connection without a second person present.

Your New Chevy Blazer

Chevrolet’s new Blazer isn’t anything like that first model or any other that once sported the name. The original Blazer was popular, with more than 8 million units sold. That said, we think the new one will find its own place in the market and enable Chevrolet to compete effectively against all comers.

The midsize crossover market is awash with competitors, with the Kia Sorento one of the few offering two- and three-row seating capacities. Its elegant looks and available premium features make it a strong entry.

Charting the Changes

Light changes accompany the 2018 Sorento, including enhanced headlamp performance and an improved front headrest design for increased comfort. The remaining changes involve package shuffling, including previously available features made standard.

Select Your 2018 Kia Sorento

The 2018 Kia Sorento comes in seven grades: L, LX, LX V6, EX 2.0T, EX V6, SX and SX Limited. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available across the model line except for the base trim.

Kia supplies three engine choices for the 2018 Sorento. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine makes 185 horsepower and comes with the L and LX grades offering standard seating for five. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is exclusive to the EX 2.0T and generates 240 horsepower. The remaining four grades come with a 3.3-liter V6 engine making 290 horsepower. All three engines work alongside a six-speed automatic transmission.

Standard features include projector beam headlights, heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, and a rear spoiler. Keyless entry, power windows and door locks, a tilt and telescopic steering column, air conditioning, and cloth seats are also found.

This model comes with a six-speaker audio system featuring a 4.3-inch color display and satellite radio. A rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports and auxiliary audio input are standard.

Sorento L

The base Sorento L costs $26,740, including a $940 destination charge. This is the basic package, offering the features already mentioned, but with no package upgrades available.

It is also the only Sorento without available all-wheel drive.

Sorento LX

Costing from $28,040, the LX adds a few extra features, including an acoustic windshield, silver finish roof rails, front seatback pockets, two additional USB ports and third-row seats with the all-wheel drive model.

A $1,700 Convenience Package adds heated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a rear parking assist system. On top of the Convenience Package is an available 3rd Row Seating Package ($1,490) bringing in 50/50 split-folding seats.

The EX Advanced Touring Package ($2,900) brings in a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade, LED interior lights, chrome roof rails, and a 110-volt power inverter. You also get a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, such as lane departure warning, forward collision warning, advanced smart cruise control with autonomous emergency braking and full stop.

Sorento EX V6

Costing $35,040, the EX V6 matches the upgrades of the 2.0T. The EX Advanced Touring Package is available here as well.

Sorento SX

At $40,040, the Sorento SX adds such top-end features as LED positioning lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lamps, a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade, a navigation system with an 8-inch color display, a 10-speaker audio system, an upgraded driver’s seat with seat extension, blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert.

The SX Advanced Technology Package ($2,000) is hard to pass by. Not only does it bring in all the driver-assist features mentioned elsewhere, it adds dynamic bending light technology with auto-leveling — the better to see around corners and over hills. Ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel round out the offerings here.

Sorento SX Limited

With a price of $45,340, the SX Limited offers the full package and that means all package options available elsewhere come with this model. My test vehicle was this trim equipped with all-wheel drive.

On the Road with the Kia Sorento

The Sorento’s V6 engine is the ideal motivator for this midsize crossover. Step on the gas pedal and you’ll enjoy an immediate boost of power. Under hard acceleration, this SUV responds with a burst, just right for racing down the entrance ramp to get on the freeway. With a vehicle of this size, I appreciate all-wheel drive — just when you think torque steer will impede your driving experience, torque travels to the rear wheels to keep this vehicle poised.

Like other crossovers, the Sorento is not a corner carver. That said, you probably won’t find yourself fighting with the steering wheel to keep it straight. Steering feedback is much improved over the previous generation — body rigidity and braking performance have improved too.

Another reason to go with the V6 with all-wheel drive is this model’s 5,000-pound towing capacity. You can pull a boat, camper or your favorite equipment. As for off-roading? Like other crossover SUVs, you’re limited to gravel paths and gently used trails. Quite frankly, the Sorento excels best on the road.

Competitive Set

Nearly every manufacturer offers at least one midsize crossover utility vehicle. Medium SUVs are the go-to vehicle for today’s families, largely replacing the minivan in that department.

Parting Thoughts

Following its most recent overhaul in 2016, the Kia Sorento remains a strong player in the segment. Its unusual two-row set up may only seat five, but it offers 38.8 cubic feet of standard storage space.

Rare do we recommend shoppers consider the base model and that holds true here. Because of its size and payload capacity, we think the base engine included with the L and LX grades isn’t powerful enough. Our favorite is the V6 as it offers a 50 percent power boost over the standard engine.

The Sorento EX all-wheel drive with the EX Advanced Touring Package comes in just shy of $40,000, a reasonable price point for a well-equipped three-row, midsize crossover utility vehicle. Thus, it is our recommended model.